ABSTRACT
Background: Hyperbilirubinemia in a neonate is one of the most common problems that may occur in 60-70 % of term and 80% of preterm babies. It is known to be associated with significant morbidity like neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy and even death. Clinically, and almost exclusively ABO incompatibility occurs in 'A' and 'B' blood group babies of O '+ve' mothers. These babies are reported to be at high risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia. So early intervention, at proper time, is mandatory to prevent these sequelae Methods: The aim is to determine the frequency of ABO and Rh blood group incompatibilities and associated incidence of hyperbilirubinemia for the purpose of instituting intervention for better neonatal outcomes. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that includes 102 neonates born to mother with O or Rh-negative blood group admitted in the post-natal ward for routine newborn care. Serum bilirubin was documented in icteric neonates. Results: The incidence of ABO incompatibility in our study was 33.33% and of Rh incompatibility was 4.9%. In ABO and Rh incompatibility group, 41.17% and 20% new born respectively developed clinical jaundice. In ABO incompatibility group, majority, 64.28% did not require treatment, whereas in Rh incompatibility group 100% required treatment. In both ABO and Rh incompatibility exchange transfusion was not required. In ABO and Rh incompatibility, all new-born treated well and no kernicterus was seen. Conclusions: In ABO incompatibility, if jaundice develops, it remains in physiological limits. In presence of some aggravating conditions may present as pathological jaundice. It results in significant morbidity but no mortality, so prevention of aggravating factors is very important, in case of ABO and Rh incompatibility